 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: andy collins
Date: 2009-07-02 17:02
I have acquired a B&H Regent grenadilla Bb clarinet with a serial number 179561M. The "M" appears on both the top and bottom sections but isn't in line with the serial number, and is of a different font size. Any ideas?
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2009-07-03 22:56
I have seen the letter "N" as a prefix to the serial number on a couple of instruments (not quite in line so obviously stamped separately) and in each case there was some small but unique modification to the instrument, in one case the addition of a C#/G# to Eb/Bb linkage on the upper joint. This was on an Emperor c 1953. This linkage is mention in Anthony Baines book but this is the only instrument I have ever seen to have it.
So I suspect that the "N" indicated somethink experimental or not quite standard on the instrument. The "M" may be something similar, check the instrument carefully.
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Author: Joseph Brenner, Jr.
Date: 2009-07-04 01:01
My B&H model 8-10's serial number has a slightly tilted "N" preceding the number 161478. It has 17 keys, 6 rings, and is silver plated, grenadilla, with tenon rings, long and short barrel, and a bell ring. I got it new about 1958.
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Author: andy collins
Date: 2009-07-04 15:56
There isn't anything odd about the keywork setup. The "M" follows the serial number and is slightly tilted. Still puzzled!!
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2009-07-04 22:26
Just tracked down my old Emperor - The "N" is also slightly tilted and preceeds the number 82937. It has standard 17/6 keywork nickel plated and fully mounted on rods (not pivot screws).
Emperors of this era were much superior to later models and in fact made identically to the Imperial but nickel rather than silver plated.
The "non-standard" aspects are
1. when C#/G# key is pressed it also takes down the long Bb (1/1) linkage.
2. all the RH ring toneholes (except #3) are quite heavily undercut - this is most unusual for B&H.
Instrument dates from 1953 although I bought it second hand in 1957 or 58 and used it as my "inclement weather instrument" when in the Army - no way I was going to take my new Leblanc out in the cold!
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